The city of Chico requires the dry growth on vacant lots be removed to improve appearance and fire prevention. But, the city does not provide a very good example.

My travels put me on East First Avenue quite often. I watched with interest the addition of paths and signage to a large vacant lot on the northwest side of East First Avenue. Nothing more has been done to the area. I had to get up close to the sign that names the area so I could read it through the weeds. It read, “Verbena Fields, City of Chico.”

The field is covered with dry weeds including thistles, and it”s a fire waiting to happen.